THE owners of a much-treasured family heirloom which was stolen from a grandmother-of-five while she was ill and away from home, have appealed for its return.

Callum Wyatt, 34, from Southport, says his gran’s metre-high by metre-wide dolls house was taken from her home in Wavertree earlier this month while she was undergoing medical treatment.

Callum said that the front window was pulled out of its frame by a crowbar and the huge dollshouse was taken from the property, which would have been 'heavy enough to need at least three people to carry it' as well as its miniature figurines and furniture, which he believes were placed inside a suitcase, which was also stolen from her home at the same time.

The dolls house, which was made by Callum’s grandfather over the course of seven years, is unique and easily recognisable. It was made by hand, with individual working lights, tapestries, wallpaper, hand-carved spindles and is covered in more than 2,000 individually placed miniature clay bricks. It was made for his gran, Margaret, by her husband Stanley as a ‘huge romantic gesture’ as she loves dolls houses.

The theft of the ‘irreplaceable’ heirloom is especially heart-breaking for the family as Stanley passed away eight years ago – and Margaret is currently very ill with a life-limiting condition.

The family have been unable to tell her that the item has been stolen as they are afraid of upsetting her while she is so ill.

The heartless thieves also took a TV cabinet, which was made to look like a dolls house as well.

Callum said: “The dolls house was truly one of a kind.

“My nan has had the most sentimental possession stolen from her home and I am pleading with Champion readers to help us. Even if they know just the smallest bit of information it could help the police to reunite us with the house which means so much to the family.

“Inside the dolls house are little tapestries lovingly handcrafted by my nan, which were embroidered with the initials, M and R.

“Also stolen was the little TV cabinet that my grandad made – and we are hoping that finding this smaller item could lead us to the dolls house. If you know anything at all, please help us.”

If you have any information, call the police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555111.